ROMANS Study Guide

Chapter Four

How the Father of Judaism was justified by faith

Paul now goes to the heart of the matter in this section… how was the father of Judaism justified in his walk with God? Paul never does away with the specialness of the Jewish people (the unique promises and standing they had from God) but he clearly points out that their right relationship with God is gained the same way the gentiles gain such a righteous relationship… by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Rom 4:1 What then shall we say that our father Abraham has found, according to flesh? Rom 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a boast; but not before God. Rom 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." Rom 4:4 But to him working, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. Rom 4:5 But to him not working, but believing on Him justifying the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

1. Abraham was justified by Faith before circumcision was instituted

as the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant between him and all his

descendants (vss.1-5)

a. If you earn something…you can boast (You gain the honor of

having done the work)

b. But if it is faith alone then it is a gift… you did nothing that you

can boast about… it was all God’s work.

UNDERSTANDING FAITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

2. Paul takes time here to be very clear on how “saving and

sanctifying faith” works. We need to take some time to unpack

this…

a. If you seek to earn God’s favor by your efforts, your

understanding of salvation is by works righteousness. Vs.4

b. But if you do anything in relationship to God by only faith in his

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